Bus drivers in Greater Manchester are expressing dismay and offense after receiving an internal memo advising them to use bottles for urination during their shifts. The note, titled ‘quick pit stop reminder,’ was distributed via the company intranet to Stagecoach drivers, who are set to go on strike over pay issues.
The directive urged drivers to utilize bottles for quick comfort breaks while on the move due to tight schedules, emphasizing the importance of proper disposal to maintain cleanliness on the buses. However, this suggestion has been met with criticism from union leaders and workers at the bus firm.
Female drivers, in particular, are facing challenges as they lack adequate restroom facilities, with the removal of staff-only toilets at bus stations leaving them to rely on public facilities. This situation has sparked outrage among employees, who feel that the company’s focus on operational efficiency is neglecting their basic needs.
Unite the Union has condemned the message as “intolerable,” highlighting the ongoing campaign for toilet dignity at work. The union’s general secretary criticized Stagecoach for prioritizing profits over the well-being of its staff and vowed to advocate for proper access to toilets for all workers.
The controversy comes amidst planned strikes by over 1,000 Stagecoach drivers in Oldham, Stockport, and Middleton over pay disputes. The workers are set to walk out in protest, with further industrial action scheduled in coordination with other firms in the Bee Network. The Mirror sought comments from Stagecoach on the matter.